After our prayer walk, we went into the center of the city and got something to eat. Then it was off to the Education Center for an afternoon of ministry planning. We sang songs, practiced puppets, played games and enjoyed each other. We met with our crews and made crew assignments.
After a long day, we went out to dinner for an authentic Macedonian meal. Everyone *said* they enjoyed it.
The day ended with Haley stating that she "thought she'd jump out the window" so we caught it on film just to freak out her Mom! :O)
Tomorrow is our big day! We begin our ministry. We are expecting around 125 children in the morning and 125-150 in the afternoon. Can't wait to tell you all about it!
Haley - don't jump!!
ReplyDeleteAre you reading these comments? Folks want to send 'encouragrams' and we're wondering if this is a good way to do it...
yes, do it this way! we are putting them on the big screen during worship!!!
ReplyDeleteHi all-
ReplyDeleteGlad to see all these great pictures and keep up with what you guys are doing!! Pretty cool looking city!
Hope your first day of work went well today- can't wait to hear all about it!
Matt- I love you & miss you so much!! Only 6 more days! Looking forward to the next time I get to talk to you!:)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you continue through the week!
God Bless,
Amber
Eternal God, you call us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out with courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Amen
How awesome it must have been to be at the highest point of the city, and to know that God will use each of you to impact this city for Him. ~ Matt. 5: 14 -16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Right now, you all are the "light on a stand." - I love knowing what you are doing each day, so that I can pray for you specifically. - Be encouraged in Christ today! ~
ReplyDeleteI look forward to each update! And am so excited to see what God is doing in everyone's lives. Those pictures are incredible. When I see those, I can't help but think about Paul traveling to Macedonia, where he wrote 2 Corinthians. Just think... you are walking the same streets! What an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHey you guys-
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you all. I love Angie's reminder about Macedonia and Paul. How awesome to be taken back a few thousand years to know all that happened - God is timeless and still remains the God of the city. I love to think of His story and how it keeps right on going. You all are playing a very unique role in the story and I hope it changes each one of your lives and your vision of Him. We would so love to be there with you. It feels wrong to not go on a World Changers trip when there is one! =)
Erik and Becky Edwards
Prayer-walking around ancient ruins?! Climbing hills and posing for photographs?! Spending time in the heart of another culture, enjoying their food, and playing with puppets?! What kind of a mission trip is this? Sounds more like a history field trip with some hiking and toys! Gee whiz ... I suppose I'll sign up for next year's IWC experience! Couldn't hurt to vacation for Jesus!
ReplyDeleteAll kidding aside, it's great to see photos and good to put them alongside our prayers. May hearts and minds become more in tune with the Living One who resides in each of you. May reflection and transformation accompany each conversation, each prayer, and each face encountered. May shalom and chesed be wrought in you and through you.
Tell my wife that we love and miss her. Let her know that Tristan has two new words: 'brown bear'.
What a blessing to follow you all. Let Alyy know that she has a new cousin. Kevin's son was born Sunday, Aiden Ryan, 5lbs. 14 0z. We are keeping you in our prayers Alyy and group. Enjoy thru ministering to these people who once followed the Lord's disciple Paul.
ReplyDeleteThese wonderful pictures brought tears to my eyes. All your energy, faith and enthusiasm shines through. The Roma children are beautiful. I hope that you are continuing to be a blessing to eachother throughout the week. We miss you and are praying for you constantly!
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